Austin is becoming popular in the film world. From major box office hits to cult classics, Austin has provided a spectacular landscape for filmmakers to bring their vision to life. Since film is such an important part of Austin's artistic offerings, it only makes sense that the city has a variety of theaters to show off flicks of all lengths and genres. Here is our guide to catching a movie in Austin.

Theaters

Austin Film Society (AFS) Cinema
Founded  by award winning filmmaker Richard Linklater, AFS Cinema is Austin's only non-profit cinema and arthouse. The theater hosts some of Austin's largest film events and even offers a space for media makers to train and collaborate. Check out their schedule for specialty screenings and signature programming.

Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo combines food, grown-up beverages and films at its multiple Austin locations. Catch all the latest releases, opt for a special screening, or take part in a movie sing- or quote-along. Who doesn't love to sling lines from the Big Lebowski?

Blue Starlite Mini-Urban Drive-In
Blue Starlite Drive-in is the world’s first and only mini urban drive-in, where indie films, cult classics and childhood favorites are king of the big screen. A mini version of traditional auto cinemas, Blue Starlite often features two films per night, with the option to add a vintage drive-in speaker and old-fashioned concessions to the package.

Violet Crown Cinema
Violet Crown Cinema is a locally owned and operated theater with four screens devoted to independent, documentary and international films. 

Festivals & Events

All Genders, Lifestyles and Identities Film Festival (aGLIFF)
aGLIFF presents programming for the Austin community depicting a myriad of issues across cultures, race, immigration status, class, gender identity and expression, age, and religion. Keep an eye out for special screenings at theaters around Austin throughout the year.

ATX Television Festival
ATX Television Festival is a yearly celebration in June of all things TV with a weekend of panels, screenings and parties where you can hang out with your favorite sitcom stars of present and past. 

Austin Asian American Film Festival
The Austin Asian American Film Festival showcases the best in Asian and Asian American cinema in order to celebrate communities, entertain, enlighten, and showcase creative talents.

Austin Film Fest
Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, Austin Film Festival shines the spotlight on top-billed films and indies each fall, along with a renowned conference that focuses on screenwriting.

Cap City Black Film Festival
Celebrating Black filmmakers from across the nation, the Capital City Black Film Festival provides a stage for burgeoning talent in the heart of Austin.

Cine Las Americas
Cine Las Americas International Film Festival showcases contemporary films from North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean and Spain each June.

For a more comprehensive list of film festivals and special screenings, visit our Film Festivals page or event calendar